“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2).
The other day my friend and I were walking as is our usual custom. We pride ourselves in the fact that we set a decent pace to elevate our heart rate and achieve desired strengthening for our legs. In the course of our exercise, I noticed that we were gaining on a young man who couldn’t have been out of his teens. As we moved over to the one side of the track and were ready to go around him, I looked over and said jokingly, “You know you’re letting a couple of older folks pass you up.” He glanced up and replied, “Oh I just got done running the lap; I’m only cooling down.” Ouch! I guess it all depends on your perspective, doesn’t it?
A few years ago I attended a professional conference for my work. I heard a motivational speaker whom I will never forget. His name is Dewitt Jones, and he is a freelance photographer who had done work for National Geographic. Dewitt uses his experience as a photojournalist to inspire others to refocus their thinking and their approach. Through the multiple lenses and angles of his camera, he reveals that there can be numerous correct perspectives to the images along one’s Journey that will enhance creativity and enrich their life. As I remembered this tremendous speaker, I asked myself if there might be differing perspectives for the Christian on living out the Faith Journey as well.
For years, I have searched in my prayer life for the right way to pray. When we are young, we learn to fold our hands, close our eyes and bow our heads. While some may not credit our “Now I lay me down to sleep…” bedtime prayer as having much substance, it is a practice that will set the tone for an important spiritual connection. I am not convinced that there are absolutes when it comes to prayer, although I do think we can apply lessons from our photographer friend previously mentioned. First consideration: Are we in the best location? Whether it’s a good angle to get the shot or the most appropriate place to share with God, location is of key significance. Scripture tells us – “when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:6). Next, we must be sure we have selected the right lens. You can’t get a decent close up with a wide-angle lens. Therefore we ask, what tools do we have available when we pray? Again God’s Word provides an answer. “So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind” (1 Corinthians 14:15). Finally, we must be sure we are in focus. When we take our picture, we want it to be clear. Likewise, when we pray we also want to have transparency. “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures” (James 4:3).
Like every picture the photojournalist will publish, the intricacies of how we pray are unique for each person. The Bible is full of examples of people praying in various ways. As with the skilled photographer, each of us will travel a slightly different road in our prayer journey. When we seriously consider our talks with God, we come to realize it’s not so much about the ‘wish list’ but more about the consistent relationship we develop with our Heavenly Father. Max Lucado says, “Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not the one who said it, our prayers do make a difference.” A quality photo and a meaningful prayer both get framed in the moment. Their extraordinary visions are captured by those who love what they see and are cherished by the one who created them.
REFLECTIONS: As you have matured, has your perspective on prayer changed accordingly? What is one area of refocusing that would improve your prayer life? When you feel that your prayers have gone unanswered, do you reexamine your motives and persist in your petition?
(For more information on Dewitt, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbHAx4zrfR8).
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